Kinetic Simulations of Compressible Non-Ideal Fluids: From Supercritical Flows to Phase-Change and Exotic Behavior

Particles on demand method: Theoretical analysis, simplification techniques, and model extensions

The particles on demand method [Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 130602 (2018)0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.121.130602] was recently formulated with a conservative finite-volume discretization and validated against challenging benchmarks. In this work, we focus on the properties of the reference frame transformation and its implications on the accuracy of the model. Based on these considerations, we propose strategies that simplify the scheme and generalize it to include a tunable Prandtl number via quasi-equilibrium relaxation. Finally, we adapt concepts from the multiscale semi-Lagrangian lattice Boltzmann formulation to the proposed framework, further improving the potential and the operating range of the kinetic model. Numerical simulations of high Mach compressible flows demonstrate excellent accuracy and stability of the model over a wide range of conditions.

Particles on demand for flows with strong discontinuities

Particles-on-demand formulation of kinetic theory [B. Dorschner, F. Bösch and I. V. Karlin, Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 130602 (2018)0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.121.130602] is used to simulate a variety of compressible flows with strong discontinuities in density, pressure, and velocity. Two modifications are applied to the original formulation of the particles-on-demand method. First, a regularization by Grad's projection of particles populations is combined with the reference frame transformations in order to enhance stability and accuracy. Second, a finite-volume scheme is implemented which allows tight control of mass, momentum, and energy conservation. The proposed model is validated with an array of challenging one- and two-dimensional benchmarks of compressible flows, including hypersonic and near-vacuum situations, Richtmyer-Meshkov instability, double Mach reflection, and astrophysical jet. Excellent performance of the modified particles-on-demand method is demonstrated beyond the limitations of other lattice Boltzmann-like approaches to compressible flows.